Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia


Description

Multiple aberrant impulses from your heart's upper chambers occur when you have multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT). These electrical impulses cause a rapid, erratic heartbeat.

Symptoms

Chest pain is one of the possible symptoms of multifocal atrial tachycardia. Other symptoms include:

Palpitations.
Breathing problems.
Fainting.
Most persons with multifocal atrial tachycardia don't have any symptoms. However, book an appointment with your Cardiologist if you experience any of these symptoms or call the emergency number right away if you experience any chest pain or discomfort.


Causes

Multifocal atrial tachycardia (MAT) is typically brought on by underlying medical conditions. These prevalent underlying conditions are linked to this arrhythmia:

Decompensated chronic lung disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, diabetes, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, azotemia, postoperative state, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, sepsis, and methylxanthine toxicity (theophylline toxicity).

Diagnostics

During the physical exam, your cardiologist will notice that your pulse is quick and erratic and that your first heart sound may vary.
An electrocardiogram (EKG) that aids in the diagnosis of multifocal atrial tachycardia.
Once your cardiologists have determined that you have multifocal atrial tachycardia, they may order:

X-rays of the chest.
Blood tests to rule out electrolyte issues, such as the serum chemistry panel
Red blood cell (RBC) counts and blood hemoglobin levels to check for signs of anemia
Arterial blood gas measurements to determine pulmonary state
A cardiac echograph (rarely).
Electrocardiogram (EKG) results typically show multifocal atrial tachycardia, which Cardiologists can diagnose.


Treatment

Once the underlying cause is treated, multifocal atrial tachycardia typically disappears. Numerous sufferers of multifocal atrial tachycardia simply require care for the underlying problem that triggered it. Your arrhythmia therapy options for multifocal atrial tachycardia may include:

Beta-blockers
Potassium and magnesium
Blockers of calcium channels
Rarely, AV node ablation may be necessary for someone with multifocal atrial tachycardia.

Everything You Need To Know Regarding Your Health!

Get the answers you need, all in one place. Explore expert-written blogs, browse our extensive FAQs for quick answers to common concerns, or use our Symptom Checker for preliminary insights.
Need in-depth details? Our Disease Directory provides comprehensive information to help you understand conditions better.
Whatever you're looking for, we’re here to support your health journey, seamlessly and effortlessly.

Check Our Medical Library! →

100+ Expert

Reviewed Blogs & Medical Guidelines

80+ Symptoms

and Diseases Explained